an>aul, from the small tribe of Benjamin and the clan of Matri and the first king of Israel, is a biblical story of tragedy reminiscent of Shakespeare or the Greeks. He rose from nothing, not seeking glory or fame, to be exalted to kingship. He then suffered torment deeply, was eclipsed by another, and fell on the field of battle. The torment Saul faced during his kingship showed many indicators of combat trauma. He exhibited signs of mood swings, apathy and depression, violent temper, paranoia, and a distinct change in personality after extensive combat experiences. Understanding many of King Saul’s actions and decisions, especially with regard to his interactions with his rival David, through analysis of combat trauma resulting from his extensive close combat experience provides a new means of interpretation. Read Full Article »